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BLM backs away from Colorado geothermal

Federal officials are withdrawing their first-ever proposed lease for geothermal development in Colorado so they can do more environmental analysis.

The delay announced by the Bureau of Land Management Thursday is the third on the 799-acre parcel near Buena Vista and Mt. Princeton Hot Springs in western Colorado. The agency had planned to offer the lease in its Feb. 11 auction in Denver.

The BLM withdrew the parcel from previous auctions to consult with state and tribal officials about regulations. The agency will still take bids for oil and gas leases on 11 parcels totaling 3,511 acres in the upcoming auction.